Change in Perceived Stress from Baseline to Week 16

The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a validated, widely used measure of stress with clinical relevance in student populations. A significant reduction in Perceived Stress Scale scores would demonstrate a therapeutic effect of the intervention. Scores range from 0-40. Scores ranging from 0-13 would be considered low stress. Scores ranging from 14-26 would be considered moderate stress. Scores ranging from 27-40 would be considered high perceived stress.

Week 2: Baseline/Time 1 Survey Week 7: Time 2 Survey Week 11: Time 3 Survey Week 16: Time 4 Survey

Change in Negative Affect from Baseline to Week 16

The Negative Affect subscale of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule captures symptoms of anxiety and distress, aligning with the study's focus on mental health. It complements the Perceived Stress Scale by measuring emotional states. Scores of the scale range from 10-50 with higher scores representing higher levels of negative affect.

Week 2: Baseline/Time 1 Survey Week 7: Time 2 Survey Week 11: Time 3 Survey Week 16: Time 4 Survey

Change in Sleep Quality from Baseline to Week 16

Assess effects on health behaviors and compare outcomes between communal (campus) vs. personal (home) plant-care environments. Using a single-item self-reported scale to measure sleep quality. Scores range from 0-10. Zero represents 0 hours of quality sleep per night per week and 10 represents 10 hours of quality sleep per night per week. Higher scores indicate better quality of sleep.

Week 2: Baseline/Time 1 Survey Week 7: Time 2 Survey Week 11: Time 3 Survey Week 16: Time 4 Survey

Change in Perceived Anxiety from Baseline to Week 16

Assess effects on mental health and well-being using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory to assess acute anxiety reduction. Scores range from 20-80. Scores ranging from 20-37 would be considered low anxiety. Scores from 38-44 would be considered moderate anxiety. Scores from 45-80 would be considered high anxiety.

Week 2: Baseline/Time 1 Survey Week 7: Time 2 Survey Week 11: Time 3 Survey Week 16: Time 4 Survey

Change in Perceived Mood Disturbance from Baseline to Week 16

Assess effects on mental health and well-being using the Profile of Moods States scale to assess improvements in tension, depression, and vigor. Scores range from -32 to 200 with higher scores representing a greater degree of overall mood disturbance.

Week 2: Baseline/Time 1 Survey Week 7: Time 2 Survey Week 11: Time 3 Survey Week 16: Time 4 Survey

Change in Academic Performance from Baseline to Week 16

Test translational academic performance benefits using self-reported adherence to productive behaviors and the Intrinsic Goal Orientation subscale of the Motivated Strategies of Learning Questionnaire. Scores range from 1-7 with higher scores representing stronger intrinsic goal orientation.

Week 2: Baseline/Time 1 Survey Week 7: Time 2 Survey Week 11: Time 3 Survey Week 16: Time 4 Survey

Change in Connectedness to Nature from Baseline to Week 16

Assess effects on health behaviors and compare outcomes between communal (campus) vs. personal (home) plant-care environments. Using a single-item self-reported scale to measure connectedness to nature. 1 represents feelings of no connectedness to nature and 7 represents feelings of high connectedness to nature. Higher scores indicate feelings of a close relationship with nature.

Week 2: Baseline/Time 1 Survey Week 7: Time 2 Survey Week 11: Time 3 Survey Week 16: Time 4 Survey